-1176- The meeting of enemies

On the other side,

As the prison barrier appeared and the grimoires were destroyed, the spatial distortion phenomenon engulfing Itogami Island gradually began to dissipate.

Of course, Rozen was the first to notice this phenomenon.

Therefore...

"I'm going over there," Rozen said, looking at Kojou. "Ahead is not just Tokoyogi Yuuma anymore; there are also the witches of LCO, the matrice of the Fourth Primogenitor, and even more terrifying entities. Are you sure you still want to come with me?"

Rozen posed this question.

"I..."

Kojou wanted to answer that no matter what lies ahead, he must go.

He would not rest until he had a clear conversation with Tokoyogi Yuuma.

However, looking at Nagisa beside him, Kojou couldn't help but worry.

If Kojou were to go with Rozen, then Nagisa would be left alone. How could he allow that?

However...

"I... I'll be fine! Nichiyo-kun and Kojou-kun, please go ahead!" Nagisa exclaimed hastily, as if realizing something.

"But..."

Kojou wanted to say something, but Nagisa interrupted him.

"Kojou-kun," Nagisa said, looking worried and distressed. "Please, bring Yuu-chan back."

With one sentence, Kojou was rendered speechless.

To be honest, whether it was Rozen, Kojou, or Nagisa, they all knew that even if Kojou continued to follow, it might not make a difference. He might even become a burden to Rozen.

After all, Kojou was just an ordinary high school student. Despite the illustrious title of "The Divine Child of Cain," the god of fault within him had no intention of awakening and had been dormant all along. The hope of Kojou becoming a force to be reckoned with was extremely slim.

Despite knowing this, Nagisa still pleaded with Kojou, and Rozen did not object to Kojou's decision to accompany them.

Because everyone understood.

"Only you can bring Yuu-chan back, Kojou-kun."

Nagisa confirmed this.

It had nothing to do with strength or capability. The only person who could learn about Yuuma's origin from Tokoyogi Yuuma and bring her back was Kojou, her childhood companion.

If it were Rozen, he could only defeat Tokoyogi Yuuma, but he could never bring her back.

But Kojou could, and Nagisa was extremely certain of this.

Even though she was betrayed by Tokoyogi Yuuma, even though she suddenly encountered such a terrible situation, Nagisa still did not harbor any hatred towards her.

There was no other way.

"Yuu-chan... even though she did such a thing, I can feel that she is very sad and in pain."

This was something that only childhood companions who had grown up together could perceive.

Even though the look Tokoyogi Yuuma gave Nagisa was so gentle, Nagisa still felt a hint of heartache.

So...

"Kojou-kun, you have to bring Yuu-chan back and make her apologize to Avrora."

With a face almost as if she were about to cry, Nagisa made this request to Kojou.

In response...

"Ah."

Kojou finally made up his mind and nodded firmly.

"Nichiyo-kun, you must also bring Avrora back."

Nagisa pleaded with Rozen in the same way.

"Leave it to me."

Rozen only said these words.

However, Rozen did not intend to let Nagisa act alone.

"The spatial distortion on Itogami Island is gradually stabilizing. Although it is not completely restored, I can handle this level of distortion and teleport you directly home."

"And..."

Rozen raised his hand and released his magic.

"Come forth! Kinu!"

Responding to Rozen's call, the magic he released turned into blood mist, which then turned into scattered fire powder and black feathers, hovering in the air.

Before long, the three-legged crow appeared among them.

Rozen summoned Kinu, the beast vassal that had been residing in his blood ever since its transformation.

"Caw!"

Kinu let out a long-awaited cry and landed on Nagisa's shoulder as if following Rozen's command, startling Nagisa.

"Kinu."

Rozen looked directly into Kinu's golden eyes with three jade beads and spoke.

"Nagisa, Kanon, and Astarte, I'm entrusting them entirely to you," Rozen instructed.

After providing all the magic power to the seal within, Kinu no longer had to worry about consumption and could fully demonstrate its true power.

In terms of sheer power, Kinu undoubtedly surpassed Altera and Hokuto, with only Gyokuto able to contend with it.

Therefore, among all of Rozen's familiars, beast vassals, and shikigami, Kinu was undoubtedly the strongest, capable of protecting Nagisa, Kanon, Astarte, and others. Even if a Primogenitor were to come, they would have to weigh their options.

"Caw!"

Kinu immediately responded.

Then, Rozen directly used spatial transfer magic to teleport Nagisa and Kinu back home, to where Kanon and Astarte were.

"Let's go."

Then, Rozen reached out and placed a hand on Kojou's shoulder.

"Right!" Kojou clenched his fist.

The two then disappeared from the spot, blending into the space.

...

Itogami Island, northern end.

This was the northern tip of Itogami Island, about several hundred meters from the rocky island where the prison barrier was located. The only connection between the two was a simple floating bridge that swayed like a mirage and was rusted and unstable.

Due to the instability caused by the prison barrier not yet stabilizing, this was the scene presented here.

Thanks to this, the surrounding space also flickered, limiting Rozen's spatial transfer to this point and preventing further progress.

Rozen and Kojou appeared here simultaneously.

"Yuuma!"

As soon as he appeared, Kojou spotted his target and shouted.

Yes.

Tokoyogi Yuuma was right here.

Not only Tokoyogi Yuuma, but even the Meyer sisters, No. 6, and Avrora were here.

Since Rozen's spatial transfer could only go this far, naturally, these people could only go this far as well and couldn't continue forward using space manipulation magic.

Therefore, when Rozen and Kojou appeared, the Tokoyogi Yuuma group was also standing in front, as if welcoming Rozen and Kojou.

"You've come, Kojou."

Turning slowly from gazing in the direction of the prison barrier, Tokoyogi Yuuma didn't waver at all because of Kojou's appearance, as if he had anticipated it.

"Nichiyo!"

Held by No. 6, Avrora leaned forward, excitedly calling out in Rozen's direction but unable to break free from No. 6's restraint.

"Mm...!"

"Ugh...!"

The Meyer sisters trembled all over and showed fearful expressions when they saw Rozen appear, their eyes filled with fear.

So, in this place, they saw each other.

Including Rozen and No. 6, they also met.

"I see, indeed, I can feel the presence of our brethren."

No. 6 stared closely at Rozen.

"The 11th... Matrice..."

Rozen met No. 6's gaze, and waves surged in his eyes.

Flames of magical power suddenly ignited on each person.

The air became heavy in an instant.